Hi Anne-Marie,

I know I've told you that my vets have always taken blood from the leg, and that was true ... until recently. For some reason, they opted to do a jugular blood draw on Billy the last two times I had him in. The first time it was done by a tech who took Billy in back, away from me. This tech didn't know me and was fairly abrupt, which I didn't appreciate. The next time I had a different tech who was much more accommodating. She, too, did a jugular draw, but she did it in the room with me and had me hold Billy's head in position for her. It was very quick and easy, and Billy didn't object a bit. Because there wasn't much new hair growth over the small shaved spot on Billy's neck from the first draw a month earlier, the second draw didn't require re-shaving. And the shaved spot was really quite small.

I did ask why they were drawing from the jugular instead of the leg, but I can't remember exactly how they explained it. There were two reasons. One had something to do with not wanting to overuse and damage the veins in the legs, and the other had to do with the blood sample from the jugular somehow being better for testing.

In any event, the jugular draw didn't seem to bother Billy any more than a leg draw. In fact, it was easier on him than a draw from the hind leg during which he was held down on his side. I don't think the shaving is an issue, either, since it's only a small spot that requires shaving. With Billy's long hair, they always shave the spot, anyway, regardless of whether it's on his neck or his leg.

Just explain to your vet that you want as small an area shaved as possible, and if you prefer to be present for the draw, tell them that, too. I can understand why you're uncomfortable with the jugular draw, because I was, too, until I witnessed one. Turns out, It's really not a big deal. Go ahead and get the bloodtest done. It's important.

Laurie

The jugular is a bigger target, so there is less chance of blowing a vein. In older cats, or sick cats, other veins can be hard to get.

I draw blood from MANY cats every day, and in only VERY few cases have ever shaved them. I prefer the jugular vein for larger samples for several reasons 1) you can get the full sample in one poke not multiple small pokes 2) the jugular vein does not clot as easy as smaller veins (cannot have a clotted sample for CBCs and other types of labwork) 3) it's MUCH faster and since kitties generally hate the restraint more than the actual poke it is better for them. For smaller samples such as just PCV/TS, glucose only, or FeLV/FIV tests, I usually draw from a back leg but that depends on the cat. Some prefer to sit up and some prefer to lay on their sides.

The jugular vein is the EASIEST draw in a cat, IMHO, which is why I always go for it.

I don't think fur provides enough protection in a cat fight to worry about shaving, unless your cat is completely matted which I doubt. Cats' skin is really thick especially over the jugular area just for that reason. As sharp as our needles are, sometimes we really have to work at getting through a cat's thick skin, and claws and teeth aren't nearly as sharp as our needles. If the cats are fighting so bad that you are worried about one bleeding to death, then you really need to separate them and re-introduce them slowly. Let us know if you need help with that.

In the meantime, I would certainly be present for anything anyone does to your pet. I generally do blood draws in front of owners unless they prefer otherwise (some people are squeamish with blood or needles) or if the pet is being protective and unrestrainable with owners present, which is more of a problem in dogs. If the new vets are not able to comply with your wishes, I would find a new vet.

It's interesting to hear the reasons for why the neck. My girl kitty gets blood work no less than once every 3 months. We've been going to the same vet for this for almost 3 years. Sometimes they shave her neck, sometimes they do not- it seems to depend on the person who does the draw, and what they are comfortable with.

I don't worry about her getting hurt from having more exposed skin- she's good at taking care of herself, but it looks awful, IMO. Seems like her hair is no sooner growing in and it's time to shave it again. She just had blood work on Tuesday and they shaved such a huge spot on her neck! My poor old kitty is going to look moth eaten for the rest of her life, I fear. It bothers me too, but my kitty is sickly, and if it's best for her, we can live with it.

Sorry I can't offer any help on what to do about it, but I sympathize with you.

BIG THANKS, Laurie, Elly, Meghane and Quasifish! (Laurie, I promise an e-mail soon.. I just don't seem to find anytime to sit at the computer for more than 10 min. at a time!)

I really appreciate your input. I guess our Albany vet spoiled us, and I can't get used to this shaving business. Quasifish, I agree with you that they do shave a big area (about 1 1/2" by 2 1/2") and last time, it took her 2 months to grow it back. She is basically tested for thyroid-her last values were in the 'grey' zone, which means she might need regular testing, so I can't imagine her shaved every 6 months or so....

Meghane, thank you for explaining all the reasons behind this jugular draw and reassuring me that her skin is strong enough against a possible fight (which she always starts!). Wish your practice were closer! I haven't found a vet here whom I feel comfortable with. May have to try the next town.

Laurie, yes I remember your telling me about Billy's bloodwork. This is why I said "no" to the tech (also very abrupt and impatient-couldn't make a decision under this pressure). Yes, my dear sick Picasso went from a leg draw to a jugular one because his leg vein was no good anymore. However, after the first shaving, I asked if they could avoid shaving him again and they had no problems drawing the blood--his fur was getting so thin, I did not want him to lose even more). He, of course, was the BEST patient they could have had! Not like our calico..

YES, I'll have the tests (wellness panel, special thyroid) done, but I may wait a month or so.

Thanks everyone,Anne-Marie